Machining of Metal Matrix Composite in Electric Discharge Machine: A Review

Abstract

The invention of new advanced materials is giving rise to new challenges for the present manufacturing industries. The major challenge is to control the exorbitant machining cost and arduous effort to machine these materials due to their hardness. Furthermore, they require high accuracy and surface quality excellence. So, there is need of development of new machining process regarding high hardness of material and make an effective machining process. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is one of the non-conventional machining processes based on thermoelectric energy between the work piece and an electrode. Over the past decades, researchers and practitioners in the manufacturing industry have dealt with numerous approaches to enhance EDM process parameters such as electrical parameters, non-electrical parameters, tool electrode-based parameters and powder-based parameters. All of such different approaches share the same aim of achieving more efficient material removal accompanied by a reduction in tool wear and improved surface quality. These are the most important parameters from the viewpoint of choosing the optimum condition of processes as well as economical aspects. The study reports research carried out from the past to the existing development of electrical discharge machining for metal matrix composites, at the end, scope for future research is discussed.

Keywords: electrical discharge machining, metal matrix composites, process parameters